GSSF: Yahsat Y1A reaches final geostationary orbit to cover Middle East and Asia
The Yahsat Y1A satellite, launched to provide high definition television (HDTV) to audiences across the Middle East, Africa and South West Asia, has successfully reached its orbital slot at 52.5 degrees East, two weeks after launch.
The geostationary Yahsat 1A, part of a 4.4 billion UAE Dirham investment from Mubadala Development, Abu Dhabi Government’s investment arm, was launched into space from Kourou, French Guiana, by Arianespace on 22 April 2011.
The satellite will deliver both commercial and civil broadband internet and voice communication services, as well as HD broadcast capability to TV stations.
"This is a very significant step as we move towards activating Yahsat's services for our customers," said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat and Executive Director of Mubadala Information, Communications and Technology.
"Our tests thus far have gone well and the satellite appears to be performing properly. The highest degree of risk is behind us and I am confident we will be prepared to activate our services shortly."
A second satellite, Yahsat Y1B, which will feature broadband Ka-band capabilities, is set to be launched later this year.
Yahsat Y1B is set to deliver the YahClick broadband internet service when fully operational.
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